Summer of 18-#59- McConnell Springs, Lexington, Kentucky

Thursday September 13th, 2018 - Part 1 of 2

Our first stop today was McConnell Springs in Lexington, Kentucky.  This was another jewel that I found by searching on the internet.

Outside the entrance there was a Monarch Waystation.  Habitat was formed to attract and feed butterflies as they migrate through.

We saw all sizes of butterflies here, from small to large, and a chrysalis.  I could have spent the day here just watching them.

Chrysalis

Flowers to attract butterflies

This is quite a historical site.  

This turtle was sitting on a rock in a small pond by the entrance.

Although this is a short 0.6 mile circular trail through the woods and springs, we saw a lot.  I'll let the pictures show you.

Sue walking on the trail through the park

Cabin built to validate claim on the land

Steps down to the final sink.

and a bench to sit on when you got there, except you had to avoid the ants, so we didn't sit!!!

As we walked back to the pathway leading from the final sink to the main trail, Bryan spotted these deer, in the stream just below us.  We spent a long while, quietly watching them.  It was amazing to see them so close and an unexpected surprise.

As we started to walk away, we saw this one in the woods above us.  She was soooo close.  Bryan managed to get pictures and we were very quiet.

Then she started to walk down the hill and crossed the trail behind us, as she made her way to the other two  down below in the stream.  As she was behind me, I didn't turn around or move as she was very close to me and I didn't want to startle her.  Bryan was facing her as he had turned to talk to me when we first saw her above us.  Thankfully, he was able to get a picture.

I was like a little kid, it doesn't take much to make me happy and seeing these deer really made my day.

We continued on and as we reached the main trail we saw two ladies and told them about the deer.  Then went off to see them.

Stone Foundations

The plants, in the middle of the pond, moved very slowly.  We thought we were imagining it.  They were on floating containers, we think it was some sort of air/filter system for the pond.

That was the end of our visit to the springs and it was very interesting.  I did have to apply bug spray, as I started to get bitten by the bugs.  It wasn't too bad though.

We hadn't finished for the day, our next stop was the Aviation Museum of Kentucky.  I'll write about that in the next blog.